Radiance and shadow

Radiance and shadow

Written on a photograph taken at Mulberry Hill, Curry’s Post

Light is manifest, singing across the scene

its origin beyond the picture, caressing grass and road,

inviting eager feet to tread the unknown path without threat.

Conjoined twin corollary is the dark, where light is not,

essential partner, propelling tension, forcing the spirit to seek again the light, yet itself the very agent giving light identity, unreality producing substance.

The track passes through both bright and dark, the contrast repeated in the trees:

dark framework of trunks and branches, strong monosyllables of power, support the dappled foliage, a shimmering mirror alive with creativity.

In the distance, two pillars are flanked by freedom and walled discipline

the eternal juxtaposition of joy-filled living and controlled order,

portal to heaven, where shadowy darkness gives way to radiance –

one equal light, one equal music, one equal eternity.

(last line with acknowledgements to The Prayer of John Donne)